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Speaking ahead of Thursday’s opening ceremony in Glasgow, Fasuba praised the 21-year-old’s rapid progress and said his consistency had marked him out as one of the world’s emerging sprint talents.

“Kanyinsola Ajayi’s progress has been exceptional,” Fasuba told THISDAY.

“What stands him out is the consistency of his improvement. He has shown that he can compete with the very best in the world and, if he continues on this path, I believe he can become one of Africa’s all-time great sprinters.”

Ajayi has enjoyed a breakthrough year, establishing himself among the world’s leading sprinters and recently breaking Nigeria‘s long-standing men’s 100m record.

Fasuba, whose national record stood for 20 years after he ran 9.85 seconds in 2006, said he was pleased to see another Nigerian raise the standard.

“I was privileged to hold the African record for 15 years and the Nigerian record for 20 years,” he said.

“Those are achievements I will always cherish, but records are meant to be broken. I am genuinely delighted that another Nigerian has raised the standard.”

The former sprinter urged Ajayi not to be satisfied with his latest achievement and challenged him to pursue the African record.

“My message to Kanyinsola is simple. Do not stop here. Keep pushing,” Fasuba said.

“Breaking the Nigerian record is only one milestone. Now go after the African record and continue lowering your personal best. That is how legacies are built.”

Fasuba also believes Ajayi and quarter-miler Samuel Ogazi can inspire a new generation of male Nigerian sprinters after years in which the country’s women dominated sprint success.

“The feats of Kanyinsola and Samuel Ogazi have the potential to inspire a new generation of Nigerian male sprinters and quarter-milers,” he said.

Ajayi arrives in Glasgow in impressive form after another standout performance on the Diamond League circuit, where he again finished ahead of Jamaica’s Oblique Seville at the London meeting after also beating him earlier this season at the Prefontaine Classic.

The sprinter has already joined Team Nigeria’s training camp in Scotland ahead of the athletics programme, which begins on 27 July.

Meanwhile, the first group of Nigerian athletes and officials left the team’s pre-Games training base in Aberdeen for Glasgow on Wednesday, with a second group scheduled to move into the Athletes’ Village on Friday.

The phased relocation follows several weeks of preparation and acclimatisation in Aberdeen as Nigeria finalises its build-up to the Commonwealth Games.

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The 23-year-old, who will represent Nigeria at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, said wearing the country’s colours was a privilege rather than a career decision and that he was determined to challenge for gold.

Schlueter has enjoyed a breakthrough season since becoming eligible to compete for Nigeria.

He broke the national decathlon record at the Mt SAC Relays in California in April, scoring 7,681 points to surpass Peter Moreno’s mark set in 2017.

Two months later, he became the first Nigerian to surpass 8,000 points in the event after recording 8,024 points at a meeting in Dallas, Texas.

Born to German, Nigerian and British parents, Schlueter previously represented England at junior level before obtaining a Nigerian passport in 2025.

He said the opportunity to compete for Nigeria was driven by identity and ambition rather than convenience.

“I competed for England as a junior athlete coming through the ranks. So, I’m German, Nigerian, British,” Schlueter told NSC Media.

“A lot of people make sport transactional, but really competing for your country is a privilege. So, for me representing Nigeria is a privilege.”

Schlueter said he wanted to contribute to the progress being made by Nigerian athletics and help inspire future generations.

“I want to be part of a team that’s making history and there are guys around me who are constantly doing that every day,” he said.

“So I want to be part of something great and be great myself.”

His arrival is part of a wider trend of athletes with dual nationality choosing to represent Nigeria, strengthening the country’s athletics programme ahead of major international competitions.

Schlueter will now look to translate his record-breaking form into Commonwealth Games success as he joins Team Nigeria‘s bid for medals in Glasgow.

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The ceremony will start at 20:00 WAT on 23 July, with the Parade of Nations expected to begin around 20:30 WAT as athletes enter the arena.

Unlike previous editions, Glasgow has chosen to stage the opening ceremony in an indoor arena rather than a stadium, with the 13,000-capacity Hydro hosting the event.

Competition will run from 24 July to 2 August, with 215 gold medals to be contested across 10 sports.

Who is performing?

Scottish musicians Tom Walker, KT Tunstall, Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt, Valtos, Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX will perform during the ceremony.

Organisers have also promised dance performances, visual displays and cultural celebrations alongside the traditional Parade of Nations.

Tom Walker, whose hit single Leave a Light On topped charts around the world, said he was honoured to perform at the ceremony.

“I’m absolutely honoured to be part of the Opening Ceremony for the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“I was born in Scotland and to be asked to perform on stage at the Hydro is always a ‘pinch yourself’ moment for me. I’m buzzing to be back in Glasgow.”

Sir Chris Hoy to feature

Six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy will also take part in the ceremony.

The Scot, who revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, described the occasion as a privilege.

“It is an absolute honour to attend the opening of Glasgow 2026 with the King and Queen,” Hoy said.

“A home Games is always a special occasion and I have so many wonderful memories from competing in the Commonwealth Games myself.

“I have no doubt the city of Glasgow will yet again be a superb host to what promises to be an exciting event.”

Batons and mascot

Each of the 74 participating nations and territories will bring its own customised ceremonial baton, reflecting its culture and identity.

The batons will be brought together during the ceremony, while the Glasgow 2026 mascot, Finnie, is also expected to feature prominently.

When does it start?

• Date: Thursday, 23 July
• Start time: 8pm WAT
• Athlete parade: Approximately 20:30 BST
• Venue: Hydro Arena, Glasgow
• Capacity: 13,000 spectators

How to watch

Broadcasters showing the opening ceremony include:

• Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
• Australia: Seven Network
• Canada: CBC and Radio-Canada
• India: SonyLIV and Doordarshan
• New Zealand: Sky
• Singapore: Mediacorp
• United Kingdom: TNT Sports, with highlights on Channel 5

Viewers in other countries can check local broadcast information through the official Commonwealth Games television listings.

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The National Sports Commission (NSC) announced a four-man squad comprising Marcel Esonwune, Sean Ikechukwu Nwamu, Esosa Okundaye and Robert Ukawuba for the tournament, which will be held at Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus.

The quartet will become the first Nigerian players to compete in 3×3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games after the country missed the sport’s debut at Birmingham 2022.

Nigeria secured qualification in February when Commonwealth Sport confirmed the nations that would contest the expanded men’s competition.

Former Tokyo Olympian Ike Nwamu is expected to provide leadership and experience for the team. The 6ft 5in guard has represented Nigeria at the Olympic Games, played in the NBA G League and several European leagues, and most recently featured for D’Tigers at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket.

The Glasgow Games will mark his Commonwealth Games debut.

Nigeria will compete against Australia, the Cayman Islands, Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland and Singapore, with one further European nation completing the 12-team field.

Glasgow 2026 will be the second Commonwealth Games to feature 3×3 basketball after the format made its debut at Birmingham 2022.

The competition has been expanded from eight to 12 teams in both the men’s and women’s events following the sport’s growing popularity across the Commonwealth.

FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis welcomed the increase in participating teams, describing it as recognition of the success of the sport’s Commonwealth Games debut.

“We are delighted that 3×3’s quota has been increased for Glasgow 2026,” Zagklis said.

“The decision is a testament to the great debut success of 3×3 at Birmingham 2022 and the growing popularity of 3×3 in Commonwealth nations and around the world.”

Played on a half court with one basket, 3×3 basketball features teams of three players and a 12-second shot clock.

Games last a maximum of 10 minutes, although matches end immediately if either team reaches 21 points, making it one of the fastest-paced events on the Commonwealth Games programme.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August, with around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories expected to compete across 10 sports.

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The team comprises 16 women and 13 men, combining experienced internationals with emerging athletes as Nigeria prepares for the athletics competition, which runs from 27 July to 1 August.

World record holder Tobi Amusan headlines the squad alongside sprinters Kanyinsola Ajayi, Rosemary Chukwuma and Favour Ashe, while Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Patience George, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Temitope Adeshina, Esther Joseph and Blessing Ogundiran have also been selected.

The squad also includes Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter, who recently switched their international allegiance to Nigeria.

Aghazu said the blend of experience and youth had given the federation confidence ahead of the Games.

“We are heading to Glasgow with one of the strongest athletics teams Nigeria has assembled in recent years,” she said.

“The athletes have shown tremendous commitment in training, and everyone is focused on representing the country with pride.”

She described Oji and Schlueter as valuable additions to the national team.

“Jessica and Jami have settled in remarkably well. They are extremely dedicated, disciplined and eager to contribute to Nigeria’s success,” Aghazu said.

“They are putting in the right shift every day because they want to help put Nigeria firmly on the global athletics map. Their commitment has been outstanding, and we are delighted to have them in the Nigerian family.”

Aghazu also praised the National Sports Commission for creating what she described as an environment that had encouraged more athletes to represent Nigeria.

“The credit must go to the leadership of the National Sports Commission under chairman Shehu Dikko and director general Bukola Olopade,” she said.

“They have opened the space for young Nigerian athletes to believe in their country again. Their support, vision and commitment are helping to rebuild confidence and strengthen Team Nigeria.”

She also acknowledged the support provided by the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission in the build-up to the Games.

“Our athletes have been given the platform to prepare properly, and the atmosphere around the team has been very positive,” Aghazu said.

“We appreciate the confidence reposed in the athletes and we are determined to justify that support with strong performances in Glasgow.”

Nigeria’s preparations have been based in Aberdeen, where Aghazu said the squad had developed a strong sense of unity.

“There is a wonderful spirit in camp. The athletes are united, the coaches are working tirelessly, and everyone understands the responsibility of representing over 200 million Nigerians,” she said.

“The environment has been friendly, professional and highly motivating, and that gives us confidence going into the Games.”

The AFN president, Tonobok Okowa, has also joined the delegation in Scotland after official engagements in Egypt and Tunisia.

Okowa, who is senior vice-president of the Confederation of African Athletics and president of CAA Region II, was honoured by the athletics federations of both countries in recognition of his contribution to the development of the sport in Africa.

Nigeria will be looking to reinforce its reputation as one of Africa’s leading athletics nations when competition begins in Glasgow on 27 July.

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The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, with Nigeria expected to compete in ten sports. A provisional squad of 72 athletes has been named for the Games.

The Afrobeat House, introduced by the National Sports Commission (NSC) in partnership with sportswear manufacturer Puma, will serve as Team Nigeria‘s cultural and hospitality hub throughout the event.

The launch follows the announcement of Puma as Team Nigeria’s official kit partner for the Games, a move the NSC says forms part of its efforts to improve support for the country’s elite athletes.

NSC chairman Shehu Dikko said during the kit unveiling in Abuja that the initiatives reflected the Commission’s commitment to providing the team with the resources needed to perform at the highest level.

“Today’s activities represent our commitment to giving Nigerian athletes the very best as they compete on the global stage,” Dikko said.

“We are fully behind Team Nigeria and have worked tirelessly to ensure they have the support, environment and confidence to succeed. We believe in this team, and we are confident they will make Nigeria proud.”

Ahead of the Games, Dikko also urged the athletes to compete with discipline, determination and confidence.

He said the team’s preparations had equipped them to challenge for honours and reminded the athletes that representing Nigeria was both a privilege and a responsibility.

The former NFF board member encouraged members of the squad to support one another throughout the Games and remain focused on delivering their best performances in every event.

“As Team Nigeria chases glory in Glasgow, the hopes of a nation travel with them,” Dikko said.

Nigeria will be aiming to build on its previous Commonwealth Games performances when competition begins in Scotland tomorrow.

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